Chapter 310 Calculating Mei Yun, Greedy Wolf Enters the Realm, Battle of Yunxi (Seeking Subscriptions!)
Looking out, Taihe Lake stretched out, its waters shimmering and meeting the sky.
Once a place of spiritual beauty, it was now filled with the desolation and ruin of a great battle.
Floating on the lake were broken magical artifacts and uncollected corpses, blood staining the water a pale brownish-red.
Only the small island in the distance, shrouded in a hazy spiritual aura, still retained a few remnants of pavilions and towers, still retaining some of its former elegance.
Around the lake, only a dozen or so Foundation Establishment stage demonic cultivators were patrolling and cleaning up the battlefield, hoping to collect some discarded pills and fragments of magical artifacts.
They spoke in hushed tones, their expressions a mixture of joy at their finds and apprehension.
Xu Chuan, hidden in the clouds, gazed indifferently.
With a slight thought, his invisible and intangible divine sense spread out.
Dozens of incredibly fine, hair-like silver needles of divine sense pierced the consciousness of those Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators simultaneously with pinpoint accuracy!
The figures below froze instantly, their greedy or wary expressions hardening, their eyes dimming rapidly, before they collapsed silently to the ground, lifeless.
Not even a sound was uttered.
After eliminating the weaklings, Xu Chuan waved his sleeve again, and six array flags shot out once more, disappearing into the void surrounding Taihe Lake.
"Cloud Heaven Illusion Array, activate!"
In an instant, clouds rose from the lake's surface, rapidly spreading and completely enveloping and sealing off the Taihe Lake area, spanning dozens of miles.
It was impossible for outsiders to see even a trace of it.
The array was complete. Xu Chuan no longer hesitated, sitting cross-legged in the void.
His hands formed profound hand seals, drawing upon the remaining dense life and death energy of the area, and the "Origin Life and Death Seal" hovered above his head.
"Heave-ho!"
With a low shout, the lingering bloodthirsty death aura and the remnants of living beings were all stirred, transforming into visible streams of black and white energy that flowed into the "Origin Life and Death Seal.
" Furthermore, with a wave of his sleeve, he released the "Soul Gathering Banner," allowing the Blood Fiend Ghost King, the Profound Yin Blood Corpse, and three jade skulls to forage for themselves and condense their Yin souls.
They were all third-tier creations; they should understand the principle of self-reliance.
Relying on a high-grade third-tier array, even with a slight difference in manpower, they could generally hold out for two or three days without much trouble.
Taihe Lake seemed to have been breached even faster than Thousand Stone Forest.
It could only mean that there must have been a traitor here as well.
Xu Chuan took the time to inquire about Thousand Stone Forest's assessment, learning that it was the Ximen family, the Wenren family, and the Luo family, but he didn't say much.
At this time, for the survival of their families, betrayal by anyone was normal.
No.
This couldn't be considered betrayal, after all, they only lived in Tiancang Prefecture, not as affiliated forces of the Tiancang Sect.
At most, he was just an employee, now he's just a different boss.
Half a day later,
Xu Chuan headed to Tianmen Pass.
He arrived quietly and saw that although the battle was fierce, it was also at a stalemate.
The cultivators on both sides seemed to be using all their supernatural powers, with magical treasures flying everywhere, but in reality, they were holding back, appearing to be going through the motions, almost as if they were tacitly slacking off.
Both sides were led by top families from their respective prefectures. The Nie and Chao families of the Greedy Wolf Prefecture were slightly stronger than the Mo and Lei families.
The former occasionally annexed other families to increase their own strength, while the latter, although they also engaged in exploitation, mostly relied on their own accumulation, hence their slightly weaker foundation.
However, this did not include the Mo family patriarch, Mo Wentian.
"They're really blatantly slacking off," Xu Chuan couldn't help but smirk.
"Hmm, that person is..."
Xu Chuan spotted a young man in the crowd from the Greedy Wolf Mansion. He looked somewhat familiar. "He seems to be a guard from my Xu family, I think his name is... Mei Yun?
What's he doing here?"
Xu Chuan had assumed he had died in the Greedy Wolf Mansion years ago.
"Something's not right."
After a few moments of contemplation, Xu Chuan began to use the *Minor Astrological Techniques* to deduce Mei Yun's identity.
A short while later,
Xu Chuan's face suddenly turned pale, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
He opened his eyes, his expression incredulous. "He possesses a special physique, seemingly related to destiny. I tried to delve deeper, but was abruptly stopped by a warning from heaven.
What is this person's background? Even those calculating the Nascent Soul stage can only vaguely discern his origins.
Unless it involves a powerful background or significant karma, this is the only explanation."
"Let's leave his background aside for now, but could his special physique be some kind of destiny-based spirit body? Yet he doesn't give off a strong sense of destiny.
He managed to survive safely in the Greedy Wolf Mansion for several years and even joined the Foundation Establishment team attacking the Heavenly Azure Mansion.
Is it some kind of talent for seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune?
It's quite a good match for the third family."
The eldest son, Xu Mingwei's lineage, has many outstanding talents, the best being Xu Deling and Xu Jingwu.
The second son, Xu Mingyuan's family, produced a Little Sword Master, Xu Chongjian, born with sword bones and a clear sword heart, whose future is also limitless.
Xu Mingxuan's descendants have not produced any outstanding individuals, but compared to other Golden Core families, they can still be considered geniuses.
Xu Mingshu was all alone.
Among Xu Mingxian's descendants, Xu Deyue and Xu Chongfei both showed great promise.
Xu Mingqing was now married with two sons and a daughter, but none of them possessed special physiques or talents.
"A descendant of a powerful figure? Or perhaps a successor from an ancient sect?"
Xu Chuan's eyes flickered slightly as he murmured, "Let's observe the situation first. If their character is acceptable, then claiming them as a master and having their bloodline integrated into the Xu family in the future wouldn't be out of the question."
After meditating for half an incense stick's time,
Xu Chuan transformed into a white-browed old demon with white hair and beard, boldly riding a streak of azure light straight towards the battlefield.
This undisguised escape immediately drew the attention of both sides.
A Golden Core cultivator from the Lei family asked, "Who are you, fellow Daoist, and why are you here?"
Before he could answer, a Golden Core demon cultivator from the Greedy Wolf Mansion rang out, "It's him, the White-browed Old Demon! What's he doing in the Heavenly Azure Mansion?"
"You're a demon cultivator from the Greedy Wolf Mansion?!"
The people of the Heavenly Azure Mansion all tensed up; he was inside the formation, and destroying it would be easy for him.
"White-browed Old Demon, what are you doing here?" Xiao Zhan asked, feigning surprise.
"I came from Taihe Lake. On the way, I met other fellow Daoists and heard that Thousand Stone Forest has also changed hands. True Monarch Qingmu has already led his disciples back to Tiancang Sect to guard it."
Then, he said to the Golden Core cultivator surnamed Lei, "I am Daoist Bai Mei, from Xuan Yue Prefecture, not from Tanlang Prefecture.
I am just passing through.
Don't be nervous. I have no intention of interfering in the battle between Tiancang Prefecture and Tanlang Prefecture. You may continue. I will take my leave."
After speaking, without waiting for the two sides to make a fuss, he transformed into light and disappeared, showing no intention of fighting.
These words were like a boulder thrown into a lake.
The people of Tiancang Prefecture were immediately filled with panic and their formation was thrown into chaos.
"Many forces of Tanlang Prefecture have already poured into Tiancang Prefecture. Are they already looting everywhere?"
Many people were worried about their families and forces.
The cultivators of Tanlang Prefecture were overjoyed and launched a fierce attack.
"Break the formation with all our might! Don't let the benefits fall into the hands of others!"
After more than two hours of all-out fighting, blood rained down and people fell like rain.
Knowing the situation was hopeless, the Mo and Lei families, after discussing with Elder Yang of the Tiancang Sect, retreated.
With no one left to defend, the Greedy Wolf Mansion's all-out attack caused the protective array to collapse in less than half an incense stick's time!
"Kill!"
Countless Greedy Wolf Mansion cultivators surged into the pass like a tidal wave, scattering and looting.
Half an hour later.
The young Xu Chuan returned.
Those Greedy Wolf Mansion demonic cultivators, eager to plunder the Tiancang Mansion's forces, hurriedly left.
Xu Chuan set up a large array,
devouring all the life and death energies, and the corpses of numerous Foundation Establishment and even Golden Core cultivators, before leaving.
Half an hour later.
Suddenly, several earth-shattering roars echoed from the distant horizon, as if stars were shattering.
Immediately, four rainbow beams pierced the clouds and appeared more than ten miles above the Tianmen Pass.
These were the Nascent Soul elders from both sides who had previously left the battlefield.
On the side of the Greedy Wolf Mansion, Qi Tianxiong and the Heavenly Luo Demon Lord stood in mid-air, their auras as steady as mountains, clearly not having expended much energy in the previous chase.
In contrast, Xi Daoyun and Mo Wentian were both deathly pale, their auras fluctuating, indicating significant depletion.
Mo Wentian even had faint bloodstains on his lips and his chest slightly stained, suggesting he had suffered a serious internal injury.
Qi Tianxiong's gaze swept over the shattered Heavenly Gate Pass formation and the chaotic scene, where traces of battle were everywhere.
He couldn't help but burst into loud laughter, his voice echoing for miles: "Hahaha! Xi Daoyun, no matter how many schemes you devised, even if you lured us away, you'd only prolong your lives by one more day!
The Heavenly Gate Pass formation is broken, and I imagine the Thousand Stone Forest and Taihe Lake are in the same state.
Your Heavenly Cang Mansion is probably engulfed in flames by now!"
Xi Daoyun's face was ashen, his expression grave, and he remained silent.
Mo Wentian, suppressing his injuries, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Xi Daoyun, his voice weak as he said, "Fellow Daoist Xi, things have come to this point, and there's no turning back.
It's not that I'm unwilling to fight further, but I've done my utmost.
Our agreement was to stop only when the formation breaks.
Now, my Mo family's foundation is also in danger of being plundered, so I must return immediately. Farewell!"
Without waiting for Xi Daoyun's reply, he transformed into a slightly dim streak of light and hurriedly departed.
Seeing this, Xi Daoyun knew he couldn't fight alone and was even more worried about the safety of the Tiancang Sect.
Without another word, he flicked his sleeve and rode his light like a shooting star straight towards the Tiancang Sect.
Qi Tianxiong, brimming with pride, was about to summon Tianluo Demon Lord to pursue Xi Daoyun to the Tiancang Sect when he saw Tianluo Demon Lord standing there, his brows furrowed.
His powerful divine sense, like mercury spilling onto the ground, repeatedly swept across the Tianmen Pass battlefield.
"Brother Tianluo, is there something amiss?" Qi Tianxiong asked.
Tianluo Demon Lord withdrew his divine sense, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. He said in a deep voice, "This place... seems strange.
After the bloody battle at the pass, the great formation was just broken. Logically, there should be corpses strewn everywhere, bloodlust filling the air, and lingering resentment from remnant souls.
But now, let alone complete corpses, even a wisp of pure bloodlust energy is hard to find.
While remnant souls should dissipate slowly, it shouldn't be this fast.
This battlefield is excessively clean, as if it had been deliberately 'cleaned'."
Upon hearing this, Qi Tianxiong paused slightly... Sensing something amiss, he chuckled and said, "Brother Tianluo, you worry too much!
Perhaps some demonic cultivators in my Greedy Wolf Mansion who practice ghostly arts or blood refining techniques were quick enough to clean this place up.
A few remnants of souls and blood are nothing to worry about.
The most urgent task now is to strike at the heart of the matter, head to the Heavenly Azure Sect, and settle things once and for all with Old Man Xi!
This conflict between the two mansions has been dragging on for too long."
Upon hearing this, Demon Lord Tianluo felt that the "cleaning up" was too thorough and swift, unlike the work of ordinary demonic cultivators.
However, seeing Qi Tianxiong's high fighting spirit, he suppressed his doubts and nodded, saying, "Brother Qi is quite right, let's go."
Two powerful Nascent Soul-level beams of light rose again, carrying overwhelming demonic might, and hurtled straight towards the Tiancang Sect.
Xu Chuan dared to do this so boldly because he knew the chances of being suspected were extremely low.
Anyone who saw it would only think it was the work of some Golden Core demonic cultivators from the Greedy Wolf Mansion.
Half a day later, Xu Chuan quietly returned to Yunxi Town.
As soon as he entered the mansion, he sensed the auras of Xu Deyue and the others, learning that they had also arrived half an hour earlier.
In the main hall, everyone greeted each other.
"Father." Xu Mingxian bowed first, his expression respectful.
"Grandfather."
"Master."
Xu Deyue and Ye Fan also greeted him simultaneously. Although their auras had calmed down after the battle, their brows still carried the dust of travel.
The Fire Cloud Immortal, standing to the side, cupped his hands and smiled, his tone filled with sincere admiration: "The Patriarch is indeed incredibly powerful and blessed by heaven.
To be able to return safely from the pursuit of over ten Golden Core demonic cultivators is truly admirable!"
Xu Chuan walked to the main seat and sat down, waving his hand dismissively, "Please sit down. It was merely luck. Halfway through the chase, five demonic cultivators found it uninteresting and left on their own.
My pressure lessened somewhat.
Furthermore, I continuously consumed pills to replenish my mana during the flight.
Finally, I found an opportunity to turn the tables and kill several of them; the rest scattered like frightened birds."
Upon hearing this, the Fire Cloud Immortal stroked his beard and exclaimed with admiration: "Even so, the Patriarch's abilities are unparalleled in both prefectures! Below the Nascent Soul stage, he is undoubtedly the number one!"
"You flatter me, Master." Xu Chuan shook his head slightly, his expression calm. "My words on the battlefield were mostly meant to intimidate the enemy; how could they be taken seriously?
I am, after all, only at the early stage of the Golden Core realm. Though I possess some explosive power, it is difficult to sustain."
He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his tone turning solemn: "Let's leave that matter aside for now. The
current situation is unclear, and we must prepare early.
In my opinion, within a day or two, an 'unwelcome guest' will surely arrive."
Then, he solemnly instructed:
"Mingxian, you will remain in the manor, fully controlling the protective array. It cannot be lost; this is also an opportunity for you to prove yourself."
"Ye Fan, you are responsible for organizing all Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators in Yunxi Town, maintaining strict vigilance, and issuing unified commands." "
As for the Golden Core enemy..." Xu Chuan's gaze turned to Xu Deyue and Huoyun Zhenren, "Deyue, Huoyun Zhenren, and I will handle them."
"Yes!"
"We humbly obey the orders of the Patriarch (Grandfather/Master)!"
The group clasped their fists in unison, and the atmosphere in the hall immediately became solemn.
Xu Chuan returned to his courtyard to meditate.
Then he contacted Xu Deling to see where she was.
A moment later,
Xu Deling's consciousness was drawn into the "Xu Clan's Grotto-Heaven."
"Grandfather, you've finally contacted me. What's the situation between the two prefectures now? Will war break out? I specially took a magic boat with my second master and Ancestor Xuan Yue, taking a long detour from the Black Wind Mountains.
Even traveling slowly, we should reach Tiancang Prefecture in a day or two."
"Don't be impatient," Xu Chuan said with a faint smile. "De Ling, you've done very well. The situation is developing step by step as expected.
Thousand Stone Forest, Taihe Lake, and Thousand Gate Pass have all fallen.
Our Xu family is far away, and so far, no forces from the Greedy Wolf Sect have arrived here. If I'm not mistaken, the Greedy Wolf Sect's forces and some of their forces have all gathered at Tiancang Sect."
Xu De Ling asked, "Then, Grandfather, what should I do?"
"Just go to Tiancang Sect with all your might. If you haven't captured Tian Luo, then come to Yunxi Town. After Tiancang Sect is destroyed, my Xu family will definitely be the next target.
If Tiancang Sect hasn't been breached yet, persuade them to wait and see. When Xi Daoyun is seriously injured and on the verge of death, then have Ancestor Xuan Yue make a move."
"Why not wait until Xi Daoyun is dead?" Xu Deling asked, puzzled.
"If the Greedy Wolf Mansion wants to control the Heavenly Cang Mansion, then Xi Daoyun must die. But unfortunately, they won't succeed this time. Severely injuring Xi Daoyun and inflicting heavy losses on the Heavenly Cang Sect is in our Xu family's best interest."
Xu Deling listened quietly, and Xu Chuan continued, "Because the Mo family is still around. If the Greedy Wolf Mansion retreats, the Heavenly Cang Mansion will become solely dominated by the Mo family. Although with the Mo family's current strength, it won't be easy for them to annex the Heavenly Cang Sect.
But if the Heavenly Cang Sect doesn't have a Nascent Soul cultivator to oversee it, being annexed is only a matter of time.
During this period, the Heavenly Cang Mansion will be in turmoil, with everyone forced to choose sides, and our Xu family will inevitably be drawn in.
But if the Greedy Wolf Mansion retreats and the Heavenly Cang Sect is severely injured, even a weakened camel is still bigger than a horse. Even if Xi Daoyun is severely injured, Mo Wentian..." "We dare not act recklessly.
Both sides will tacitly maintain an agreement—to recuperate and strengthen ourselves.
My Xu family can also take this opportunity to grow stronger and prepare for Mo Yue's tribulation.
Only when our family produces a Nascent Soul cultivator can we truly establish ourselves in Tiannan and not be swept away by the tides of the world.
I estimate that no force will dare to provoke the Mo family this time. If the Greedy Wolf Sect succeeds, it will probably be mainly to win them over, precisely because Mo Wentian is a Nascent Soul cultivator.
After all, the Greedy Wolf Sect is pressing too hard. Mo Wentian, this newly promoted Nascent Soul, can simply leave on his own and establish his own clan, since he has a long lifespan anyway.
But if they can't kill him, the revenge of a Nascent Soul cultivator is extremely terrifying.
Both prefectures will be thrown into chaos, which is not conducive to the Greedy Wolf Sect's rule."
"Isn't Xi Daoyun the same? Aren't the Greedy Wolf Sect Master and Tian Luo afraid that he will act recklessly?" Xu Deling asked.
"That's different." Xu Chuan chuckled. "The Tiancang Sect is the ruler of the Tiancang Prefecture. Even a Nascent Soul cultivator wouldn't easily give up their rule over a prefecture.
Even if Xi Daoyun could abandon his family, sect, and everything else to escape, he could only become a rogue cultivator elsewhere. The biggest difference between him and Mo Wentian is their lifespan!"
"I heard Mo Wentian mention the feud between their two families before. Judging by the time, he probably only has a few decades left to live."
"I see." Xu Deling said, "Granddaughter understands. Everything will proceed according to your plan, Grandfather."
"As for the rest, you can do as you see fit. It doesn't matter if there are any mistakes."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Immediately, Xu Deling's divine sense withdrew from "Xu Clan Cave Heaven."
Above the Black Wind Mountains.
A magic boat traveled through the area.
Xu Deling opened her eyes in a room inside the cabin, silently increased the speed of the magic boat, and headed straight for the Tiancang Mountains. Yan
Longzi and Zhang Fan both noticed, but they both smiled slightly and ignored it.
The former was only there to collect the items for the transaction.
The latter was there to take on a disciple and verify the matter of the True Demon's possession. If it was true, he would deal with it. If it was just a human cultivating the True Demon Clan's techniques and condensing a True Demon Nascent Soul, then he would let it do as it pleased.
Many demon cultivators from the Greedy Wolf Mansion went to the seven cities of Tiancang and Baiyun Market.
Because of traitors like the Wen family and Luo family, the defensive formations of several cities in the Seven Cities collapsed without a fight, and many Foundation Establishment families within the cities were plundered, suffering heavy losses.
Although there were no traitors in Baiyun Market, its defenses were only mid-grade third-tier formations. Under the attack of many Golden Core cultivators and a large number of Foundation Establishment cultivators, it was also breached and then extensively looted.
"The Xu family of Yunxi is renowned, and its wealth is said to be comparable to top Golden Core families. Perhaps several forces are already attacking it. Let's go and see; maybe we can get a share."
"I also have the same idea!"
"Let's go!"
A group of people flew towards Yunxi Town, including two Golden Core demonic cultivators who had been subdued by Xu Chuan.
——————————
Outside Yunxi Town, dark clouds loomed over the city.
Several miles away in the sky, the sky was filled with clouds of light, a dark mass, and seven or eight hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators stood in the air, their robes varied, their magical artifacts flashing, and their spiritual light intertwining.
Even more chilling were the dozen or so figures hovering in front, each possessing a profound and awe-inspiring aura, like mountains overlooking abysses—all Golden Core cultivators!
Two of them, however, possessed an aura far surpassing the others, having already reached the Perfected Golden Core stage.
Demonic energy and baleful energy mingled together, soaring into the sky and darkening half the heavens.
Such a force would be enough to attack any one of the Seven Cities of Tiancang, yet they had come solely for this small Yunxi Town.
On the other hand, the semi-transparent five-colored light barrier of Yunxi Town was fully extended, flowing ceaselessly, firmly protecting the entire town.
At the edge of the light barrier, Xu Chuan, Xu Deyue, and Huoyun Zhenren stood side by side, their robes fluttering, their faces calm, facing the powerful enemy in the distance.
Behind them, three or four hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators from Yunxi Town had all ascended into the air. Although their expressions were solemn, not one of them retreated; they were all on high alert, their magical power subtly increasing.
In addition, there were over five hundred carefully selected Qi Refining Perfection cultivators, flying through the air on their swords, arranged after the Foundation Establishment cultivators.
"The Nie and Chao families of the Greedy Wolf Mansion?" Xu Chuan's gaze swept over them.
"I didn't expect the renowned True Monarch Ku Rong to recognize us. We shouldn't have met before, right?" The Nie family head said with a faint smile.
"I thought it would be the Sima family who came here. After all, the Sima family head suffered a considerable loss at Thousand Stone Forest, yet they haven't come to seek revenge?"
Xu Chuan continued without waiting for their reply, "The Nie and Chao families are second only to the Greedy Wolf Sect and Ancient Nether City in the Greedy Wolf Prefecture, making them top-tier forces.
Instead of going to the Seven Cities of Heavenly Cang or the Heavenly Cang Sect, you've come to my small Yunxi Town.
I'm afraid the wealth and resources of my Yunxi Town aren't even enough for you to share."
The Chao family head said, "True Lord Ku Rong, how do you know we didn't go? They welcomed us very warmly, generously allowing us to take away quite a lot of things.
If your Yunxi Town did the same, fewer people would die.
As for spirit stones and resources, we can accumulate them slowly.
Do you think what I said makes sense?"
"That makes sense, but in the cultivation world, strength is paramount, and you demonic cultivators follow this principle even more. I, Xu, hereby declare that whoever defeats me one-on-one will be allowed to plunder."
The heads of the Nie and Chao families exchanged glances. Both were figures no less powerful than True Monarch Tianlang.
They were confident that they had few rivals at the Golden Core stage, and even if they couldn't win, they wouldn't suffer a complete defeat.
At this moment, a demonic cultivator at the early Golden Core stage said, "You two patriarchs, do not agree!"
"That Ku Rong True Monarch is extremely monstrous!"
"Who are you?"
"I am Liang Cheng. Previously, in the Thousand Stone Forest..." The man said with fear in his eyes, "On the first day, Patriarch Sima led four early Golden Core cultivators to hunt down Ku Rong True Monarch, but only Patriarch Sima escaped with severe injuries.
The next day, Patriarch Sima and the five demonic elders of the Greedy Wolf Sect used the Five Sons United Formation to besiege Xu Chuan, but they failed to defeat him. Instead, their formation was broken, and Patriarch Sima was severely injured again and fled far away to heal.
Ku Rong True Monarch possesses powerful divine sense techniques at the Golden Core level, and his divine sense is so strong that he is almost invincible.
In a one-on-one fight, below the Nascent Soul stage, he can be considered a king!"
Upon hearing this, Nie and Chao frowned slightly, and their hearts became more cautious.
"To claim the title of king? That was merely a joke I made. You all actually believe it?" Xu Chuan said with a faint smile. "Of course, you may leave if you wish. I will not stop you."
After a moment
, seeing that they did not make a move, he continued, "Since you neither intend to attack nor leave, then let me make the first move."
Before he finished speaking, Xu Chuan suddenly waved his sleeve!
"Azure Dragon Umbrella, activate!"
The umbrella soared into the air, radiating a brilliant azure-gold light, like a canopy descending, completely protecting him.
At the same time, he pointed his fingers like a sword, and pointed in the air.
"Azure Dragon of the Sword, appear!"
Twenty-four flying swords rang out, their sword energy soaring into the sky, intertwining and entwining in an instant, transforming into a dozen-foot-long azure dragon of sword energy, its scales menacing and its eyes like lightning!
As the dragon's body swayed, its incomparably sharp sword intent swept in all directions, its overwhelming power causing the dozen or so Golden Core demon cultivators in front of it to change color!
The Nie family patriarch and the Chao family patriarch, who were at the forefront, were even more horrified.
Before the sword dragon even arrived, its sharp energy had already caused their magic power shields to fluctuate incessantly!
"Join forces!"
Without the slightest hesitation, the two roared, the ghostly flames of the Soul-Destroying Axe surged, and the Hundred Ghost Banner echoed with the howls of ten thousand souls. One on the left and one on the right, they joined forces to meet the roaring Azure Dragon of the Sword!
Boom—!!!
A deafening roar exploded, sword energy, demonic fire, and ghostly energy raged wildly.
Seeing the two clan heads completely suppressed, the remaining Golden Core demonic cultivators were eager to join the fray.
"Slash!"
Xu Deyue shouted, her "Taiyin" flying sword suddenly unsheathed, its cold, moonlit light surging forth.
Although she was only at the early Golden Core stage, her extremely refined sword intent and Taiyin chill complemented each other, unleashing a terrifying power no less than that of a late-stage Golden Core cultivator. With
a single sword strike, she forcefully blocked two early and mid-stage Golden Core demonic cultivators attempting a sneak attack!
"I'll join the fun too!"
Huoyun Zhenren laughed, his crimson gourd spewing flames, transforming into a ferocious fire python, actively entangling a mid-stage Golden Core opponent.
At the same time, the Yunxi Town's grand formation flashed with light.
"Five Elements Revolve, Command!"
Xu Mingxian activated it with all his might within his mansion, each of the five elements' spiritual energy converging into a Five Elements Technique, fiercely slashing towards the five early-stage Golden Core demonic cultivators.
The great battle had completely erupted!
Nearly a thousand Foundation Establishment cultivators clashed violently, their magical artifacts and spells raining down.
Yunxi Town had few Foundation Establishment cultivators, so Qi Refining cultivators at the peak of their cultivation released flying swords and talismans from afar to provide support.
The two family heads, Nie and Chao, were indeed True Monarch-level experts at the peak of the Golden Core stage; their combined attack was even more ineffective than the Azure Dragon Sword.
This was mainly because their magical treasures were both high-grade, inherently powerful.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
High in the sky, spiritual explosions resounded, the overwhelming power completely tearing apart the clouds, revealing the clear blue sky.
Xu Chuan's mind raced; he knew that the two family heads, Nie and Chao, were not easy opponents, and that his early Golden Core cultivation would likely be insufficient for a prolonged battle.
His divine sense technique, however, posed a slightly insufficient threat to Golden Core cultivators at the peak of their cultivation.
After all, his divine sense strength had not yet reached the peak of the Golden Core stage.
"Instead of engaging in a prolonged battle, it's better to kill those five first!"
Xu Mingxian manipulated the great formation to attack, but he only managed to entangle them slightly. This great formation was only a low-grade third-tier formation; no matter how exquisitely it was manipulated, it was ultimately unable to overcome its weakness of insufficient power.
If it was allowed to linger, it would surely be broken.
At that time, the entire situation would only be a scene of utter defeat!
Thinking of this, he immediately diverted half of his attention, and invisible ripples rippled in his sea of consciousness!
"Shocking Divine Thrust, go!"
Five extremely condensed silver needles of divine consciousness silently crossed the void and suddenly pierced the sea of consciousness of the five early-stage Golden Core demonic cultivators who were being restrained by Xu Mingxian's formation!
"Ugh—!"
Caught off guard, the five people's souls were struck as if by a heavy hammer, and they screamed in unison, their bodies trembling violently, and their protective spiritual light dimming instantly.
Xu Mingxian seized the opportunity to launch a frenzied attack.
Xu Chuan also resolutely dispersed the Azure Dragon Sword, and twenty-four flying swords suddenly separated.
He activated the Azure Dragon Umbrella above his head with all his might, causing the azure-gold light barrier to surge, forcefully meeting the giant axe of ghostly flames cleaved down by the Nie family patriarch and the torrent of a hundred ghosts swept up by the Chao family patriarch!
At the same time, he activated his hand seals, and fifteen flying swords, as if receiving a command, transformed into an incomparably sharp torrent of sword light, directly targeting the five Golden Core demonic cultivators whose souls were injured!
"Be careful!" The Nie family patriarch was shocked and furious, but it was too late to help.
As the sword torrent swept past, three of the demonic cultivators, without even activating their defensive magic treasures, were torn to shreds by the sword energy, their bodies and souls annihilated!
The other two, relying on their protective magic treasures to automatically protect their masters, barely managed to block the fatal blow, but they also coughed up blood and flew backward like kites with broken strings, their auras instantly weakening!
The spiritual light of their defensive magic treasures dimmed, and they could no longer actively defend themselves.
At this moment, Xu Mingxian's great array attack descended, engulfing the two.
In just one or two breaths, the five Golden Core demonic cultivators perished.
"Damn it, break!"
The two family heads, Nie and Chao, roared, their magical power surging, causing the magic weapon's power to skyrocket!
The light screen hanging from the Azure Dragon Umbrella twisted violently, emitting a mournful cry of unbearable strain, and several clear cracks were blasted into it!
Xu Chuan's body trembled violently, his face turned pale, and a trickle of crimson blood immediately spilled from the corner of his mouth, clearly indicating that his internal organs had been shaken.
He used the force to fly back dozens of feet, stabilizing his breathing.
Then, the life force within his body circulated, and in just a few breaths, the mere internal organ injury had healed.
Xu Chuan controlled the cycle of life and death, comprehending life and death; his body's self-healing ability was far superior to that of powerful demonic beasts like the Flood Dragon.
It was much easier to exhaust his magical power and deplete his spiritual consciousness than to severely injure his physical body.
With five Golden Core demonic cultivators gone, Xu Mingxian immediately manipulated the formation to attack the Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators of the Greedy Wolf Mansion. The pressure on the people of Yunxi Town was greatly reduced;
in just a short while, more than a dozen Qi Refining cultivators and six or seven Foundation Establishment cultivators had already died.
Of course, the enemy suffered even more casualties.
Ye Fan charged straight into the enemy camp, taking down Foundation Establishment cultivators with a single punch without even blinking.
After killing more than twenty people, he turned back again.
He charged again, then turned back again!
Ye Fan's strength at this moment was infinitely close to the Golden Core stage, far stronger than Xu Deling and the others at the Heavenly Pride Gathering.
For these Foundation Establishment cultivators, he was simply a cheat.
The two Golden Core demonic cultivators who fought Xu Deyue and the opponent of True Person Huoyun were all terrified when they saw Xu Chuan kill the early and middle Golden Core cultivators so easily, and immediately withdrew and stayed away.
"I knew that in the place where True Monarch Kurong was, there would always be several early Golden Core cultivators who would perish. With his divine sense secret technique, he killed early and middle Golden Core cultivators as easily as taking candy from a baby."
Liang Cheng said with emotion, "That Ye Fan is also a monster. Back then, he killed one or two hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators all by himself in Thousand Stone Forest."
Half an incense stick later.
More than a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Greedy Wolf Mansion had perished. They were all terrified and took the initiative to stay away.
The entire battlefield was left with only the battle between Xu Chuan and the two family heads, Nie Chao.
Without interference, Xu Chuan fully activated the Azure Dragon Sword and fought with the two.
More than half an hour later.
Several more Golden Core cultivators arrived, and seeing that everyone else was watching while only Xu Chuan and his two companions were fighting, they were quite surprised.
Were they all so disciplined?
They wouldn't attack until their commander fell, right?
Then, upon hearing Liang Cheng's words, the group unconsciously shrank back and obediently stood side-by-side with the other three Golden Core cultivators.
Chapter 311 Zhang Fan's Strength, The Truth of Imprisonment (Seeking Subscriptions!)
"As expected of our lord, he actually fought against the Nie and Chao family heads single-handedly!" The cultivator surnamed Du thought to himself.
Although their reputations were not as great as True Monarch Tianlang's, their strength was no less.
The main reason they dared not be too conspicuous was because they were wary of the Greedy Wolf Sect.
"Perhaps following him is a good choice. His strength, potential, and strategy are all top-notch. I'm afraid the Nie and Chao family heads would never dream that our lord hadn't even unleashed half of his strength.
However, the demonic trump card should be used by our lord for his identity as the 'White-Browed Old Demon,' so he probably won't expose it easily."
Xu Chuan had no worries and fully activated the Azure Dragon Sword to fight the two.
Sometimes he would only activate it halfway and then use the "Heavy Profound Seal" to suppress them.
As a deterrent, Xu Chuan could not use his divine sense secret technique easily. Half an hour later, he began to consume Jade Void Pills to recover his mana.
There was no way around it; in terms of mana strength, he was ultimately not as good as a Golden Core cultivator.
Moreover, activating the Azure Dragon Sword consumed a great deal of energy, and Xu Chuan could only rely on pills to compensate for this weakness.
"I'd like to see how many pills you can consume!" the Nie family patriarch said coldly.
At the same time,
before the gates of the Heavenly Azure Sect, the battle intensified, and the sounds of battle shook the heavens.
The Greedy Wolf Mansion had mobilized its entire force, with six or seven tenths of its main cultivators gathered here.
Looking around, the dark, oppressive light was like a storm cloud obscuring the sun, and countless magical artifacts and supernatural powers transformed into a raging torrent, frantically impacting the Heavenly Azure Sect's protective formation, which had been passed down for thousands of years.
The light barrier swayed violently, and deafening roars echoed endlessly. Every moment, cultivators from both sides fell before the formation, their blood staining the mountains and rivers.
High in the sky, the battle was even more breathtaking.
Xi Daoyun, his robe stained with blood and his aura disordered, stood alone in the void.
His gaze was fixed on Qi Tianxiong ahead, his voice hoarse yet resolute: "Qi Tianxiong! Does your Greedy Wolf Manor truly intend to commit such an act of annihilation, a fight to the death?"
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Below, disciples and followers clashed fiercely with the attacking enemies.
Outside, countless demonic cultivators relentlessly bombarded the great formation.
On the Nascent Soul battlefield, Qi Tianxiong and the Heavenly Luo Demon Lord stood to the left and right, their auras firmly locked onto Xi Daoyun.
Hearing this, Qi Tianxiong sneered: "Old monster Xi, what's the point of spouting such nonsense now? Your Heavenly Cang Sect's fate is sealed!"
Before his words even finished, the Heavenly Luo Demon Lord flicked his finger, and an extremely refined, jet-black demonic finger silently pierced through the void, aiming directly for Xi Daoyun's dantian.
Xi Daoyun forcefully summoned his magic power, waving his whisk, thousands of silver threads transforming into a barrier to defend himself.
"Boom!"
Although the demonic finger was blocked, the domineering demonic energy it contained penetrated his body. Xi Daoyun's body trembled again, and he suddenly spat out another mouthful of blood, his face ashen.
He had already exhausted himself from luring the enemy and escaping earlier, and now, fighting two opponents of the same level alone, he was truly overwhelmed.
Xi Daoyun knew perfectly well that if he didn't escape, he would probably lose his life.
But the Tiancang Sect's foundation of thousands of years and the Xi family's millennia-old heritage—should he really just hand them over like this?
He was truly torn between two choices.
Seeing the battle below at a stalemate and his disciples suffering increasing casualties, Qi Tianxiong frowned and said in a deep voice, "Brother Tianluo, it's time to stop the act.
If we drag this out any longer, the losses of my Tanlang Sect disciples will be too heavy."
Upon hearing this, the Tianluo Demon Lord, who had always seemed to be in complete control, curled his lips into a cruel smile, shook his neck, and his knuckles cracked with a series of teeth-grinding sounds.
"Since Brother Qi has spoken, then... so be it."
The words had barely left his lips when a terrifying demonic aura, ten times more powerful than before, erupted from the Heavenly Luo Demon Lord's body!
The demonic energy surged into the sky, stirring up the wind and clouds. The spiritual energy within a radius of dozens of miles instantly became violent and chaotic, the sky suddenly darkening as if the end of the world had arrived.
Xi Daoyun, bearing the brunt of the attack, paled and exclaimed in shock, "You...you've been hiding your strength all this time?!"
The Heavenly Luo Demon Lord did not answer. His body grew taller and taller amidst the demonic energy, three strange divine runes simultaneously lighting up and flowing endlessly around him.
The next moment, a three-headed, six-armed illusory form, a hundred feet tall, with a blurred face but overwhelming power, materialized and appeared behind him!
The illusory form's six arms danced, drawing spiritual energy from all directions to converge like a tidal wave.
The next moment, the six arms slammed heavily onto the sect's protective array, which was shrouded in spiritual light.
"Crack—!"
A crisp cracking sound could be clearly heard!
The fourth-tier low-grade array's light barrier, which had protected the Tiancang Sect for thousands of years, suddenly cracked open, creating a massive east-west fissure!
The illusory Dharma image didn't stop; the second wave of attacks followed immediately.
The fissure spread rapidly like a spiderweb, the array's spiritual light dimmed drastically, and mournful cries echoed.
"Break!"
With a ferocious roar from the Heavenly Demon Lord, the illusory Dharma image clenched its six arms, transforming into a colossal demonic fist capable of splitting the heavens and earth, and slammed down!
"Boom—!!!"
Amidst the earth-shattering roar, the protective array could no longer hold on and exploded!
Countless array runes wailed and vanished, the protective light barrier turning into countless fireflies, completely dissipating.
"Kill—!!!"
With the array broken, the cultivators of the Greedy Wolf Mansion, who had long been unable to restrain themselves, roared like wolves smelling blood, transforming into streaks of ferocious light and surging madly into the Tiancang Sect's mountain gate!
On the other hand, the disciples of the Tiancang Sect, as well as the cultivators from the three affiliated sects of Qingmu, Jiaocang, and Qingcang, were all deathly pale.
Their eyes were blank as they stared at the shattered mountain gate and the enemies surging in like a tide.
"The...Tiancang Sect...is finished..."
A disciple murmured dejectedly, his magical artifact clattering to the ground, oblivious to the sound.
Seeing the illusory Dharma image towering into the sky, its demonic power overwhelming, Xi Daoyun knew the situation was hopeless. Without further hesitation, he frantically channeled his remaining magical power, attempting to transform into a streak of light and escape.
"Trying to leave now? Too late!"
The Heavenly Demon Lord's icy sneer rang out, and an even heavier pressure, like an invisible shackle, suddenly descended, abruptly shattering Xi Daoyun's nascent escape!
At the same time, the three-headed, six-armed illusory Dharma image, with its massive, muscular arm entwined with dark demonic patterns, slammed down like a pillar supporting the heavens!
Xi Daoyun's eyes widened in fury. He mustered his last bit of magical power, his natal flying sword transforming into a streak of several dozen feet to meet the attack.
"Like a mantis trying to stop a chariot!"
The demonic arm collided with the sword light, and the sword energy shattered like glass, instantly disintegrating into countless fragments.
The demonic arm, undeterred, slammed into Xi Daoyun's protective magic treasure's light barrier.
"Pfft! Pfft!"
Xi Daoyun's superior-grade defensive magic treasure's light barrier and his own magical shield were easily shattered.
He was struck as if by a meteorite, blood gushing forth, countless bones broken, plummeting from the sky like a shooting star, crashing into the mountain below, creating a huge crater.
Amidst the billowing dust, his aura was extremely weak, he was on the verge of death. Within the Tiancang Sect, battle raged everywhere. Before the Daoist Pavilion, countless Tanlang Mansion cultivators, their eyes red with fury, charged towards the final barrier, fighting fiercely with the guardian disciples, talismans, fragments of magic treasures, and severed limbs flying everywhere.
The scene outside the medicine garden was equally horrific. As for the Heavenly Azure Sect's treasure vault, its location is so secretive that it remains undiscovered. A white-haired elder roared as he self-destructed his golden core, perishing alongside several enemies, his radiance shining like the last rays of the setting sun. Young disciples, their faces filled with terror, discarded their magical artifacts and fled frantically towards the mountains, only to be slaughtered by demonic cultivators attacking from behind. Others, their faces ashen, knelt and kowtowed, tears streaming down their faces, begging for surrender, only to be met with merciless slaughter. Such is the spectrum of human nature. The Heavenly Demon Lord dispersed the awe-inspiring phantom of his Dharma form, his surging demonic energy calming slightly. This powerful technique, though potent, was also incredibly taxing, causing his aura to fluctuate slightly. He looked at Qi Tianxiong and said, "Brother Qi, shall we deliver this final blow to send Fellow Daoist Xi on his way?" Qi Tianxiong's gaze swept over Xi Daoyun, who was barely breathing in the deep pit. Seemingly confident of victory, he had lost interest in the matter and waved his hand, saying, "This Nascent Soul should be of great use to Brother Tianluo. You should handle it." "In that case, thank you for your generosity, Brother Qi." Tianluo Demon Lord grinned, a greedy glint in his eyes. He raised his hand, ready to snatch Xi Daoyun's Nascent Soul! Just then— a sound of air being torn apart came from the sky, and an undisguised, powerful aura approached from afar, causing both Qi Tianxiong and Tianluo Demon Lord, two Nascent Soul experts, to turn their heads at the same time. They saw an ancient-looking, magnificent magic boat slowly approaching and hovering above the Tiancang Sect. At the bow of the Dharma Boat, an old man with red hair and a crimson robe stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze indifferently surveying the hellish scene of the sects below. His tone was calm and unwavering: "Nascent Soul cultivators are dying, sects are collapsing... Heh, this Tiancang Prefecture territory is quite lively today." Qi Tianxiong frowned, sensing a faint threat emanating from this man. He said in a deep voice, "Who are you? Do you intend to interfere in the conflict between my Tanlang Prefecture and Tiancang Prefecture?" The old man in red robes was none other than Yan Longzi. Upon hearing this, he merely glanced at Qi Tianxiong indifferently: "I am Yan Longzi, merely passing by. The conflict between your two families is none of my concern. However..." He paused slightly, then smiled faintly, "Someone is looking for this man beside you." Before he finished speaking, an old man with white hair and beard floated through the air and arrived before the boat. Qi Tianxiong's gaze fell upon the man's face, and he was first stunned, then his expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed in shock, "Zhang... Zhang Fan?! You... why are you here?!" " Fellow Daoist Qi, it's been hundreds of years since we last met. You've become even more capable. Not only have you colluded with the ancient True Demon, but you've also helped him grow to the Nascent Soul stage." Qi Tianxiong was so frightened that he almost lost all color in his face, and all the shadows he had cast over Zhang Fan were stirred up again. "You are Zhang Fan? How can you make Brother Qi so nervous?" Tianluo Demon Lord said calmly. "A Dharma Image requires at least three perfected divine abilities to condense. You must be at least a True Demon Clan expert at the Nascent Soul stage, right?" "Brother Qi, I have already been very discreet. Don't blame me if I've been discovered." Qi Tianxiong's face was ashen, and he was even a little nervous. Zhang Fan then looked at Qi Tianxiong, "Let's end this farce here. Go back to where you came from, or next time it will be my Xuan Yue Sect descending upon your Tan Lang Sect's gates." "Zhang Fan, didn't you say your Xuan Yue Sect doesn't interfere in the struggles between different prefectures?" "I did say that, but colluding with ancient demons is an exception. If you continue like this, perhaps in a few hundred years, your Tan Lang Sect will be targeting my Xuan Yue Sect, won't you?" Just as they were talking, Xi Daoyun caught his breath, mustered his last bit of magic power, transformed into a faint streak of light, and fled into the distance without looking back. Qi Tianxiong and Tian Luo didn't bother with him anymore. Their opponent now was the Xuan Yue Sect's patriarch, Zhang Fan. Xi Daoyun found Qingmu Zhenjun, who was also severely injured and in a bad situation. "Patriarch, what should we do now?"
"Retreat to the Xi family. Now that Zhang Fan has appeared, it won't be long before the Greedy Wolf Mansion retreats."
"Is Ancestor Xuan Yue really that strong? I feel that Tian Luo's previous power was no less than that of a Grand Cultivator."
"You haven't witnessed it, so naturally you don't know. How do you think Xuan Yue Sect achieved its dominance in our Northwest region?"
Xi Daoyun said solemnly, "Just follow my orders. No matter how great the losses of Tian Cang Sect are, it can be rebuilt later, and its foundation can be accumulated again."
"Yes, Ancestor!"
True Monarch Qingmu clasped his fists and immediately sent a message ordering the remaining Xi family disciples to return to the Xi family territory.
The Xi family territory also has a third-tier high-grade array, which can withstand the attack for a period of time.
"Brother Qi, if you and I join forces, we can even fight against a Nascent Soul Grand Cultivator." Qi
Tianxiong gritted his teeth and said, "Alright!"
The two unleashed their supernatural powers and magical treasures, their demonic flames soaring, rushing straight at Zhang Fan!
However, Zhang Fan only shook his head slightly. Facing the combined attack of the two, he did not retreat but advanced, casually flicking his sleeves.
"Break."
A highly condensed crimson light shot out from his sleeve, striking first and easily tearing through the overwhelming demonic energy, striking Qi Tianxiong's protective demonic aura with perfect precision!
"Pfft—!"
Qi Tianxiong was struck as if by lightning, spitting out blood. A charred hole was pierced through his chest, and his aura instantly dissipated. He flew backward like a broken sack, crashing heavily to the ground! In
a single exchange, Qi Tianxiong was already severely injured!
"He is no ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator!"
Tianluo Demon Lord was horrified, knowing that unless his cultivation also reached the late Nascent Soul stage, he was no match for him.
He roared and, disregarding the cost, once again activated the three-headed, six-armed illusory form.
The demonic power shook the heavens and the earth. The six arms clasped together, condensing all his magical power into a pitch-black demonic sun, attempting a desperate fight to buy himself a chance to escape.
"Stubborn to the end."
Zhang Fan's tone remained calm. He clenched his right hand in the air, and a long staff appeared in his palm.
This staff was entirely dark gold, with a crimson dragon coiled around its body. The dragon's head was raised at the tip, its mouth slightly open, seemingly spitting out flames. The spiritual pressure emanating from it distorted the surrounding space.
It was none other than his famous spiritual treasure, the "Crimson Flame Dragon Staff"!
Without any apparent effort, he simply swung the staff.
The crimson dragon on the staff seemed to come alive, letting out a deafening roar.
A crimson-gold dragon-shaped staff aura, stretching across the heavens and earth, tore through the sky, crashing into the massive illusory Dharma image with overwhelming force!
"Boom—!!!"
There was no stalemate, no resistance.
Under the crimson-gold dragon-shaped staff aura, the incomparably powerful illusory Dharma image was as vulnerable as glass, letting out a mournful cry.
It shattered inch by inch, exploding into a sky full of demonic energy!
With the Dharma image shattered, the Heavenly Demon Lord suffered a violent backlash, spitting out blood, his aura instantly weakening to the extreme.
"Even in a battle between equals, unless I also possess a spiritual treasure, I am no match for him!"
To reach such a level in a realm suppressed by heaven and earth is truly monstrous.
If this were in ancient times, his achievements would undoubtedly be dazzling, far surpassing his own peak Nascent Soul stage!
The Heavenly Net Demon Lord finally revealed unprecedented fear in his eyes, no longer daring to linger in battle. His figure transformed into a dark, demonic light, attempting to flee.
"Trying to escape now? Too late."
Zhang Fan's voice remained calm. With a flick of his left hand, a golden light shot out, suddenly unfolding in the air, transforming into a massive golden net that blotted out the sky!
Runes flowed across the net, its Daoist essence naturally manifesting, radiating supreme power to seal the heavens and earth.
This was yet another spiritual treasure, the "Heavenly Net"!
Under the golden net's embrace, space seemed to solidify.
No matter how the Heavenly Net Demon Lord charged left or right, using any escape techniques, he was trapped like in quagmire, unable to break free even slightly.
The golden net quickly closed, binding him firmly, rendering his roars and struggles futile.
With a flick of his sleeve, Zhang Fan captured the Heavenly Net Demon Lord, imprisoned within, instantly clearing the world. The
heavily wounded Qi Tianxiong, seeing the Heavenly Net suppressed with a mere wave of his hand, realized his greatest asset was gone. His face turned ashen. Knowing the situation was hopeless, he sighed deeply, his voice hoarse with resentment, and ordered, "Retreat...all troops retreat!"
The remaining cultivators of the Greedy Wolf Palace hastily activated their escape lights, carrying the wounded, and retreated in a disarray like a receding tide, their former arrogance gone.
Zhang Fan stood in the void, looking down at the shattered landscape of the Heavenly Cang Sect below. After a moment of silence, he sighed softly. Then
he turned and boarded the long-suspended magic boat.
The magic boat changed direction, transforming into a streak of light, and sped towards Yunxi Town.
Yan Longzi clasped his hands and said, "I had long heard of Fellow Daoist Xuan Yue's reputation in the South, and seeing it now, I can see it is indeed well-deserved."
"Fellow Daoist Yan Longzi flatters me. If Luo Ruofei had only recently condensed his True Demon Nascent Soul, even I would have had a hard time defeating him so easily."
"However, now that the Greedy Wolf Sect has retreated, you've clearly been used as a free thug." Yan Longzi immediately shouted, "You brat, hurry up and apologize!
Do you think you can hide your little schemes from us?"
Xu Deling walked out of the cabin and smiled faintly, "Second Master, what are you talking about? I don't know?"
"I merely introduced a suitable disciple to Senior Xuan Yue for her to test. My Yunxi Town is near the Tiancang Mountains.
I just happened to pass by and encountered the Greedy Wolf Sect attacking the Tiancang Sect.
Could it be that Second Master thinks I'm a fortune teller, able to accurately predict when the Tiancang Sect will launch a major battle?"
"Yes, Uncle-Master Yanlongzi, this must be a coincidence. Junior Sister 'Phoenix Feather' has been with us these past few years."
True Lord Lieyang also stepped forward to defend Xu Deling.
Yanlongzi was also somewhat confused and asked suspiciously, "It really isn't you, girl?"
"Not my disciple!"
But it is my grandfather!
Xu Deling silently added in her heart.
Outside Yunxi Town.
Xu Chuan was still fighting with the two family heads, Nie and Chao.
At this time, Xu Chuan had already consumed three high-grade Jade Void Pills to restore his mana, while Nie and Chao's mana was less than half full.
"The Xu family of Yunxi is really a tough nut to crack." The Nie family head transmitted his voice, "Other early and mid-stage Golden Core cultivators are wary of Xu Chuan's divine sense secret technique and dare not easily join the battle.
Brother Chao, what do you think we should do now?"
After pondering, the Chao family head said, "Although the sword formation is powerful, it must consume a lot of divine sense to control. Let's hold him off for another incense stick's time.
If that doesn't work, we'll go to the Tiancang Sect.
The main force is still there!"
"We will do as Brother Chao says."
However, only half an incense stick's time later.
Then, a clear voice, like rolling thunder, echoed from the distant horizon, reaching the ears of every cultivator on the battlefield:
"The Greedy Wolf Sect has been defeated! You Greedy Wolf Mansion forces, why don't you retreat immediately?!" "
What?! The Greedy Wolf Sect has been defeated?!"
Upon hearing this, everyone, from the garrison of Yunxi Town to the cultivators of the Greedy Wolf Mansion, was stunned, their faces filled with disbelief.
In the eyes of most, the destruction of the Heavenly Azure Sect was a foregone conclusion.
This statement was nothing short of a fantasy.
"Nonsense!"
A Golden Core demon cultivator from the Greedy Wolf Mansion immediately retorted sharply, "With Sect Master Qi and Demon Lord Tianluo, two Nascent Soul ancestors, guarding the Greedy Wolf Sect, how could they possibly be defeated?
Even if the Nascent Soul Grand Elder of the Heavenly Azure Sect and the Mo family patriarch joined forces, there was absolutely no way they could stop them!"
"That's right! It must be a bluff to demoralize our troops. Who would believe such nonsense!"
The voices of doubt and rebuke had just begun to rise.
A moment later...
Then, the clouds surged in the sky, and a magnificent, ancient-looking magic boat slowly approached, hovering above the battlefield.
"There's a Nascent Soul expert on the magic boat!"
Yan Longzi, always straightforward, didn't conceal his aura.
A Golden Core demon cultivator sensed his presence and immediately broke out in a cold sweat, exclaiming in alarm.
The two family heads, Nie and Chao, were also shaken, their expressions changing drastically.
Suppressing their fear, they exchanged a glance, both seeing the horror in each other's eyes.
They dared not delay, steeling themselves and using their escape lights to fly to a short distance in front of the magic boat, bowing respectfully.
The Nie family head asked, "May I ask which senior has arrived? This junior, the Nie family head, pays his respects."
"This is Yan Longzi, the Nascent Soul Supreme Elder of our Heavenly Forging Sect, and the other is Ancestor Xuan Yue."
The two were deeply shaken.
If Ancestor Xuan Yue had arrived, the Greedy Wolf Sect would indeed only have one path left: defeat and escape.
"Greetings, Senior Yanlongzi! Greetings, Ancestor Xuanyue!" The heads of the Nie and Chao families clasped their fists and greeted each other in unison.
Seeing no response
, the head of the Nie family said, "This junior has other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave."
With that, he and the head of the Chao family immediately departed on their escape lights. The other Golden Core and Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators also left without daring to linger.
"We won?!"
"Yunxi Town has been defended!"
Countless people cheered loudly, filled with the joy of surviving a calamity.
Xu Chuan, Huoyun Zhenren, Ye Fan, and Xu Deyue flew onto the magic boat.
"Greetings, Senior Yanlongzi! Senior Xuanyue!" Xu Chuan spoke first, followed by Xu Deyue and the others.
"Please come to my Xu residence for a chat."
"Xu Chuan, I've come all this way, don't disappoint me."
"Of course not, the things are already prepared, just waiting for Senior Yanlongzi to come and collect them."
Then, Xu Chuan said to Zhang Fan, "Senior Xuan Yue, we meet again, my son also awaits your guidance."
"It hasn't been long, and your strength has progressed to this level." Zhang Fan stroked his beard and smiled faintly, "I certainly didn't misjudge you." "
Ye Fan, you and Huang Tianhu, Wu Zhusan, and Wu Zhuqi handle the remaining matters."
"Yes, Master."
Ye Fan bowed and then flew towards the cultivators in Yunxi Town.
Xu Deling stepped forward and took Xu Deyue's hand, "Deyue, you've finally formed your core."
Xu Deyue nodded slightly.
"I haven't given you my congratulatory gift yet, you must be lacking magic treasures, I'll refine a mid-grade flying sword and a mid-grade defensive magic treasure for you in a while as compensation."
"Thank you, Sister Ling."
In the main hall of the Xu family.
Everyone gathered.
Zhang Fan looked at Xu Mingxian and said, "Indeed, you possess exceptional natural talent and handsome features, quite different from your father."
"Senior flatters me!"
"The Five Elements Formation in Yunxi Town was your creation, wasn't it? Its core should be this mid-grade third-tier Five Elements Grand Formation from your Xu family."
Xu Mingxian's eyes lit up. "Senior truly has keen insight; nothing escapes your notice."
"Besides the Five Elements Grand Formation, there is another composite formation, showing traces of clouds and illusions; there should be more than that."
"This formation is called the Cloud Sky Illusion Formation, combining cloud and mist formations, illusion formations, killing formations, and trapping formations into one. My formation skills are limited; I can only deduce it up to the third-tier, low-grade level."
"What?! Four formations combined into one?!" Yan Longzi exclaimed. "Is it so easy to merge these formations?"
"Of course not," Zhang Fan chuckled. "To create such a high-level composite formation, one needs at least the skills of a fourth-tier formation master, or exceptional talent in formation deduction."
He paused, stroking his beard. "Your father intends for you to become my disciple. Are you willing?"
"This junior is willing."
"You agree so easily? Aren't you going to test me?"
"Senior's previous divine sense restriction was exquisitely crafted, already impressing this junior. This junior is still studying your formation records, regarding them as priceless treasures."
"Hahaha~"
"Judging from your aloof appearance, I didn't expect you to be so good at flattery!"
"When I leave, will you come with me, or will you go to the Xuan Yue Sect after some time?"
Xu Mingxian remained silent, but Xu Chuan transmitted his voice, "Go. For the next ten years or so, Yunxi Town will be peaceful and safe. You need to learn how to use long-distance teleportation arrays and location teleportation arrays as soon as possible.
This will make travel easier."
"Understood, Father."
Xu Mingxian then bowed to Zhang Fan and said, "Disciple is willing to leave with Master."
Zhang Fan nodded in satisfaction.
Immediately, Xu Mingxian, under the pretext of asking Zhang Fan about array formations, led Zhang Fan away from the hall.
Xu Chuan took out a sealed sandalwood box and handed it to Yan Longzi.
Yan Longzi took the box, and with a flash of spiritual light at his fingertips, gently opened the lid.
Instantly, a scorching and ancient aura mixed with a faint dragon's might spread out.
Inside the box lay a fist-sized, blood-red fruit with dragon scale patterns on its surface.
A glint of light flashed in his eyes, his joy barely concealed:
"It truly is a six-thousand-year-old Dragon Blood Fruit! This item will greatly benefit me, so I will accept it. As for what your Xu family sought..."
He turned his gaze to Xu Deling beside him and smiled, "It's already in Deling's hands."
Having obtained this spiritual fruit, Yanlongzi was focused on refining it. Without lingering, he and Lieyang Zhenjun transformed into two streaks of crimson light and headed towards the Tianling Sect, preparing for secluded cultivation.
That night.
The moonlight was cold and clear, the stars like ink dots.
Xu Chuan arrived alone at Zhang Fan's temporary residence in the courtyard.
The two sat facing each other under the moonlight, a stone table between them with two cups of clear wine.
Xu Chuan poured spiritual wine into the two jade cups, raised his cup, and smiled, "When we meet again, let's drink a cup together," Senior, please!
"I didn't expect Fellow Daoist Xu to remember."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fan, without any airs, picked up his wine cup and clinked it with Xu Chuan's.
The two drank it all in one gulp.
"Separated by a thousand years, we enter the same secret realm; this is fate. Senior, let me offer you another cup."
The wine was poured, and the two drank again.
Then, Xu Chuan said, "I was deeply grateful for your previous kindness, and now you've taken my son as your disciple; I must offer you another toast!"
Zhang Fan chuckled and shook his head, not refusing.
After finishing his drink, he said, "Speak, what brings you here?"
Xu Chuan was extremely respectful. "Since we come from the same place, you should be able to guess what I want to know."
Zhang Fan's gaze seemed to pierce through the void as he slowly said, "That place is of great importance; are you sure you want to know?"
"Actually, I can guess a little, but knowing its origins will allow me to better devise a strategy."
"Very well, I'll tell you." Zhang Fan said, "Actually, our place is the final battlefield of the ancient war."
"Ancient battlefield? Isn't that a place of imprisonment?" Xu Chuan was taken aback.
"That's a saying spread by the demon race."
"If it's an ancient battlefield, wouldn't there be many opportunities? But I've been there for many years and haven't heard of any great opportunities."
"The real battlefield is in another space. Only through massive blood sacrifices can it be opened. Over time, it evolved into a conflict between the two realms every five hundred years."
"The ancient battlefield opens every five hundred years?"
Zhang Fan stroked his beard and nodded.
"Then what about the 'blood feast' that the demon race of the Hundred Thousand Mountains holds once every thousand years?"
"The demon race is not weak, so naturally they have to offer benefits. We humans from both realms can enter once every five hundred years, but the demon race only enters once every thousand years."
"Because of lifespan." "
Fellow Daoist Xu is indeed intelligent. You thought of it before I even spoke."
"Since it's the final ancient battlefield, it must be full of various creations and opportunities. Humans, demons, and the True Demon race should all have left behind their legacies. How
could the demon race not want a share?
But the humans from both realms don't want the demon race to gain too many opportunities, so there will definitely be some restrictions. The only thing I can think of is lifespan."
Zhang Fan nodded again.
"But why must it be a blood sacrifice? Isn't there any other way to open it?"
"Perhaps there is, but there's definitely no way from the outside. It's rumored that it was opened by the combined efforts of many Mahayana cultivators in the ancient Southern Region. Even if there really is a way to open it, it can only be found in the battlefield space.
Moreover,"
Zhang Fan paused, then sighed, "this method has been used for thousands of years. Even if there are other methods, the demon race probably won't easily agree to let all the humans there leave!" "
In the end, strength speaks. If there's a new way to open the ancient battlefield, and someone has the ability to suppress the Ten Thousand Mountains and prevent them from speaking out, this matter should be achievable."
"Indeed, but both the former and the latter are very difficult. There are also fourth-tier peak demon race experts in the Ten Thousand Mountains." "
Stronger than you, senior?"
"Some demon race bloodline experts, if they awaken their innate divine abilities upon reaching the fourth tier, their strength is absolutely comparable to human geniuses. Their innate divine abilities can increase with their bloodline and can even reach a level comparable to a Dharma Image."
As he spoke, Zhang Fan explained what a Dharma Image was.
Xu Chuan then realized that supernatural powers could be combined to form a Dharma body.
No wonder he didn't yet possess a direct lineage to the Nascent Soul stage.
He estimated that only after breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage would the *Five Elements Creation Scripture* reveal the cultivation methods for reaching the Nascent Soul stage.
"Senior, besides inheritances and opportunities, what else is there in the ancient battlefield?"
"Why is it absolutely necessary to open it?"
"Is it related to the fortunes of two realms?"